The Cortina Nationals
The Cortina was thrust into the motoring worlds high beams when Mk1 & Mk2’s dominated rally, circuit and endurance championships globally for much of the 60’s with drivers like Jim Clark & Sir John Whitmore behind the wheel.
Locally, legends like Harry Firth & Bob Jane ensured the irrepressible Ford Cortina was permanently entrenched in the minds of Australian motor enthusiasts.
The 1st Cortina Nationals celebrated the 50th Anniversary of this iconic vehicle with over 200 Cortina’s of all marks getting together over the Queen’s Birthday weekend in 2012.
The event was in the making for about 3 years and a big thank you goes to all involved. Initially a number of towns and times of year were discussed before Albury/Wodonga was finally decided upon. Due to other events at different times of the year, and the weather, the June long weekend was chosen.
Lake Hume Resort was made the accommodation hub, where an informal meet & greet occurred Friday night around ‘The BBQ Pit’.
A foggy Saturday morning was spent at Blacklocks Ford in Lavington, with a breakfast and coffee available. A couple of different length tours had been organised both ending in Beechworth for a display on the Police Paddocks and lunch followed by a pleasant afternoon wandering this historic town.
Later, there was a ‘Swap Meet’ at the Lake Hume Resort, where there were some deals struck and plenty of parts changing hands.
Over 300 people enjoyed the Saturday night dinner in the Gala Room at the Lake Hume Resort with Special Guest Harry Firth giving a fantastic talk along with displays of Cortina memorabilia, photos, silent auction, other auctions and a Raffle. The 3 course dinner was excellent and the night ran very smoothly.
The weekend culminated in a major display of over 200 Cortina’s at the Kinross Woolshed on Sunday. It was an awesome sight seeing rows and rows of Cortina’s in one spot. The Cortina Mk1 Owners Club purchased a MK1 Cortina which was raffled off on Sunday afternoon and this was a highlight of the weekend.
A dinner was organised at Kinross Woolshed Sunday night along with the trophy presentations. All winners were presented with trophies and all should be congratulated. This was followed by some music and dancing before the 1st Cortina Nationals officially came to an end.
It was a great weekend and all seemed to enjoy the camaraderie of fellow Cortina enthusiasts and some new friends were made as well as some fond memories for years to come.
A huge thanks goes to the organisers, entrants, helpers and the sponsors of this event.
Thanks again to:
Blacklocks Ford
Lake Hume Resort & the Kinross Woolshed
Sierra Clothing – Contact Phil Mollison on 0418 388 555
HBS (Boilers) – Contact Gary Higgs on 0418 397 872